May 02 / 18.35 Punchestown

18.35

Yielding

Conway Piling Handicap Hurdle (Listed Race)

  • Prize money: £25652.17
  • 2m 7f 110y
  • 25 runners
RTE2
View Course
Conway Piling Handicap Hurdle (Listed Race)

Runners: 25 runners

Type: Hurdle Turf

Surface: Turf

Weather: Light rain

14/1 (Won)

  • Win: £48.60
  • Place: £8.00

Form: 45P16F D

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 11lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 143

Form & Verdict
Returned to his best with a probable career-best performance to win a Listed handicap hurdle at Leopardstown in February; still had a chance when falling two out in a Grade 2 at Fairyhouse last month; good 7lb claimer on again today and respected.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

2

25th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 80y

18:35 Ballinrobe

Maxxum

11st 9lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Smart stayer over hurdles (dual Grade 2 winner); not done much chasing but returned to this discipline to win small-field contest at Clonmel and his Grade 3-fourth at Killarney was perfectly respectable; jumping will be tested here in first handicap; trainer going for four in a row in this.

11/2

4th

4

11th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 100y

18:37 Killarney

Maxxum

11st 0lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

Best known for his hurdling exploits but made it 2-4 over fences in winning a conditions chase at Clonmel last month (2m4f, soft); this is harder but he's clearly in good heart and likely to run well.

5/1

1st

3

2nd Apr 2026

Soft

2m 4f 0y

16:30 Clonmel

Maxxum

11st 0lb

J: Jack Kennedy

T: Gordon Elliott

Better known as a hurdler, with seven wins in that sphere up to 3m; was below form at Leopardstown last time in first-time cheekpieces; did win on chasing debut in 2023 but was pulled up on last start in this sphere in 2024; however, is seemingly the choice of Jack Kennedy so commands maximum respect.

11/8

OUR TIP

20/1

  • Place: £6.10

Form: 533526

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 12lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 144

Form & Verdict
Runner-up in the Champion Stayers Hurdle here two years ago and runner-up in the Grade 1 at Leopardstown later that year; not the force of old this season, including when back in handicap company at Cork over Easter; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

30th Jul 2025

Good

2m 6f 111y

18:40 Galway

Ashdale Bob

11st 4lb

J: Sean Flanagan

T: Mrs John Harrington

Former Grade 2-winning hurdler and came good in second stint chasing last summer with wins at Kilbeggan (beating Thecompanysergeant) and a Grade 3 novice event at this venue; warmed up with fourth behind Gaelic Arc at Kilbeggan; other younger rivals are preferred.

20/1

1

16th Jun 2025

Good To Yielding

2m 4f 51y

19:48 Kilbeggan

Ashdale Bob

11st 12lb

J: Conor Smithers

T: Mrs John Harrington

10yo a former Grade 2-winning hurdler and came good in second stint chasing last summer with wins in C&D beginners' and in Grade 3 Galway novice; stiffer task on return in February, none too fluent and soon beaten in Grade 2 Kempton novice; cheekpieces worn the last twice now discarded for handicap debut and may just need this.

10/1

5th

1

22nd Feb 2025

Good

2m 4f 110y

Class 1

13:50 Kempton

Ashdale Bob

11st 7lb

J: James Bowen

T: Mrs John Harrington

10yo who returns from a break and possibly isn't the force of old (3m Grade 1 hurdle runner-up in December 2022) but he's won when back over fences for his last two starts, most recently a Grade 3 novice at Galway (2m2f, good) last August; not ruled out in view of his back-class.

5/1

14/1

  • Place: £2.40

Form: 43213

Last run: 33 days

W: 10st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Progressive sort, landed a Navan maiden hurdle in March and kept staying on when third in the 3m novice handicap final at Fairyhouse; out-and-out stayer and will appreciate any rain that falls; each-way chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10

2nd May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 104y

15:45 Punchestown

Kinturk Kalanisi

10st 11lb

J: James Smith

T: Thomas Gibney

Winning hurdler and 0-8 but better chaser, standout run on seasonal return when third of 28 in 3m1f Paddy Power Handicap at Leopardstown over Christmas (yielding); hasn't backed that up however on softer ground, well held in both Leopardstown handicap and Leinster National; return to better ground and first-time cheekpieces could see an improved showing.

20/1

7th

3

8th Mar 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 174y

16:02 Naas

Kinturk Kalanisi

10st 12lb

J: James Smith

T: Thomas Gibney

Just 1-13 and no wins from seven chasing starts; however, he was still travelling nicely when making a bad mistake and unseating at two out in this race last year off 3lb lower (3m1f, soft); led over the last at Leopardstown (3m1f, yielding) in a Listed chase on seasonal return before fading into a 5.75l third; had blood at both nostrils when tailed off last time; not ruled out if bringing his best.

10/1

17th

9

1st Feb 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 107y

14:45 Leopardstown

Kinturk Kalanisi

10st 12lb

J: James Smith

T: Thomas Gibney

Hurdle winner is a maiden over fences after six starts, but ran a cracker when third in the Paddy Power Chase over 3m here last time; should strip fitter for that seasonal debut and be a big player, even raised 3lb.

7/1

33/1

  • Place: £2.90

Form: -11696 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 10st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 126

Form & Verdict
Recorded a hat-trick last year; has found Listed handicaps on the tough side this season; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

12

2nd May 2026

Yielding

3m 7f 68y

15:05 Punchestown

Will Do

10st 11lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Bumper and two-time hurdle winner; 0-15 chasing but has run well in defeat at times, most notably over 3m6f at the Cheltenham Festival in 2025 and when a neck second to Better Times Ahead in the Porterstown at Fairyhouse in November (yielding); out of sorts in four runs since however so big upturn in performance required but 13lb better off with Better Times Ahead now, plus rider's claim.

10/1

4

6th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 120y

17:40 Fairyhouse

Will Do

11st 11lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Bumper and two-time hurdle winner; 0-14 in chases but has run well in defeat at times, most notably over 3m6f at the Cheltenham Festival in 2025 and when a neck second in the Porterstown here last November (3m6f, yielding); out of sorts in three runs since, though, and needs to rediscover best.

16/1

11th

6

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

3m 5f 201y

Class 2

17:20 Cheltenham

Will Do

11st 7lb

J: Danny Gilligan

T: Gordon Elliott

0-13 now as a chaser but third in this race last year off 5lb lower; that was his best form last term and he's shown it only once since, when beaten a neck at Fairyhouse (3m6f, yielding to soft) in November; that was also his only long-distance assignment this term, so he could return to form with this step back up in trip; others are preferred for the win even so.

20/1

Form: -37409 D

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 4lb

10 yo Gelding

OR: 136

Form & Verdict
Top novice chaser in 2021 but has not run to that level for some time; not disgraced in the Pertemps Final or in a graded handicap hurdle at Aintree but much more needed.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

14

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Chantry House

10st 13lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

Very smart in his heyday; returned to chasing at Cheltenham (extended 3m1f, soft) on New Year's Day and looked much more like his old self, asserting late on in a five-runner handicap; however, he singularly failed to back that up in a Grade 2 over that same C&D over three weeks later.

80/1

16th

14

5th Apr 2025

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Chantry House

10st 13lb

J: James Bowen

T: Nicky Henderson

Very smart in his heyday; returned to chasing at Cheltenham (extended 3m1f, soft) on New Year's Day and looked much more like his old self, asserting late on in a five-runner handicap; however, he singularly failed to back that up in a Grade 2 over that same C&D over three weeks later.

80/1

5th

3

25th Jan 2025

Good

3m 1f 56y

Class 1

14:25 Cheltenham

Chantry House

11st 4lb

J: Nico de Boinville

T: Nicky Henderson

towards rear, in touch with leaders 7th, weakened before 2 out, lost fourth run-in

7/1

Form: 5P41P1

Last run: 98 days

W: 10st 7lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Unsteerable when pulled up in a Catterick handicap hurdle in December, either side of that he won a maiden hurdle and a handicap hurdle going right-handed at Huntingdon; interesting runner although needs to find a bit more to be a factor in this company.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

20

2nd May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 104y

15:45 Punchestown

Beachcomber

10st 2lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Last win came in 3m Kempton handicap in Christmas of 2024; third to Bill Baxter in this race last year but not at best this season, chasing home a clear winner at Ludlow last time (only two finishers); 7lb lower than last year so don't rule out.

14/1

2nd

6

30th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 171y

Class 3

15:57 Ludlow

Beachcomber

11st 2lb

J: Jonjo O’Neill Jr

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Appeared to get his campaign back on track when third over hurdles at Musselburgh (3m, good to soft) and, when a 10l fifth over C&D since, he was softened up by getting competitive a good way out; he doesn't have a convincing profile but his pure ability is respected.

7/1

5th

1

26th Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 171y

Class 3

14:07 Ludlow

Beachcomber

12st 1lb

J: Richie McLernon

T: Jonjo & A J O’Neill

Out of form over fences this season but turned things around with creditable third over hurdles at Musselburgh (3m good to soft) last month and it will be interesting to see whether he can build on that performance on this return to chasing.

7/1

Form: 21-UPU D

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 3lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Good novice chaser last season but has failed to complete in three starts this season, most recently beaten when unseating in the Irish National; 11lb better in over hurdles and not discounted but hardly coming here in stellar form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

1

17th Nov 2024

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 50y

14:30 Navan

Churchstonewarrior

11st 12lb

J: Mr Derek O’Connor

T: Cian Collins

1-9 over fences; that win came in C&D Grade 2 novice in February 2023; failed to complete the course in three chase attempts last season; got a confidence-boosting run on stable debut at Tramore in August; long-priced fourth in the Kerry National; big burden now.

14/1

1

17th Nov 2024

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 50y

14:30 Navan

Churchstonewarrior

11st 12lb

J: Mr Derek O’Connor

T: Cian Collins

1-9 over fences; that win came in C&D Grade 2 novice in February 2023; failed to complete the course in three chase attempts last season; got a confidence-boosting run on stable debut at Tramore in August; long-priced fourth in the Kerry National; big burden now.

14/1

6

25th Sep 2024

Good

2m 7f 180y

16:20 Listowel

Churchstonewarrior

11st 1lb

J: Conor Stone-Walsh

T: Cian Collins

Is 1-8 over fences; that win came in a 3m Grade 2 Novice at Navan in February 2023; failed to complete the course in three chase attempts last season; got a confidence-boosting run on stable debut at Tramore last month; now 8lb better off with runner-up Zanahiyr; first-time cheekpieces.

16/1

Form: -07220 C

Last run: 49 days

W: 10st 9lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Four-time winner was well below par in the Pertemps Final last time but was a good runner-up on his two previous handicap starts here and at Galway in the autumn; respected if he can return to that sort of form.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

8th

12

25th Apr 2026

Good

3m 4f 146y

Class 1

15:30 Sandown

Gabbys Cross

10st 7lb

J: Jack Tudor

T: Nick Scholfield

Ex-Irish 11yo (six races for current yard) who has not won since 2022 but went close with first-time cheekpieces (kept since) over 3m2f at Newbury in February; second of three at Ascot (3m) in another veterans' race next time was creditable in the end, after he'd been detached at one point; that helps to envisage him as a stayer but he jumped poorly on heavy in Scottish National (40-1, pulled up) last week and this race also looks tough.

66/1

14

18th Apr 2026

Soft

3m 7f 176y

Class 1

15:35 Ayr

Gabbys Cross

11st 0lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Nick Scholfield

Ex-Irish 11yo (five races for current yard) who has not won since July 2022 but nearly put that right in first-time cheekpieces (kept since) over 3m2f at Newbury in February, losing out in the final strides; second of three at Ascot (3m) three weeks ago was creditable in the end, after he'd been detached at one point, and that helps to envisage him as a stayer, but this race is so much tougher.

33/1

2nd

3

29th Mar 2026

Good

2m 7f 185y

Class 2

16:50 Ascot

Gabbys Cross

11st 8lb

J: Sean Bowen

T: Nick Scholfield

Ex-Irish 11yo (four races for current yard) who has not won since July 2022 but so nearly put that right in first-time cheekpieces at Newbury four weeks ago when Copperhead wrested back the advantage in the final strides; back up 4lb and Sean Bowen takes over; clearly capable of a bold show.

9/4

Form: 5P1377 C BF

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 8lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 140

Form & Verdict
Four wins include a conditions event here last June; respectable seventh in the Coral Cup was not matched at Cork over Easter; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

2nd

5

9th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 0y

15:35 Killarney

Da Capo Glory

11st 4lb

J: Michael Kenneally

T: Padraig Butler

Three hurdle wins and ran a fine race in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham, beaten only 8l; unluckily unseated at Punchestown last week; his best chase effort of three came at Gowran in February; gets weight from some of his rivals today and has a solid chance.

2/1

3

30th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

16:15 Punchestown

Da Capo Glory

10st 13lb

J: Michael Kenneally

T: Padraig Butler

Three hurdle wins including at this track and ran respectably in this race in 2024; mixing chasing with hurdles after returning from an absence this season; not a bad run in the Martin Pipe last time; needs a bit more.

20/1

Form: 11-238 C

Last run: 88 days

W: 10st 7lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Won a 2m handicap hurdle at this meeting last year; interrupted campaign this season and not seen since down the field in first-time cheekpieces in a valuable mares contest at the Dublin racing festival; big ask first time over this trip in such a competitive contest.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

21st May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 3f 176y

17:18 Limerick

Broomfield Bijou

10st 11lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: James William Hannon

The most experienced mare in the field and rated 123 over fences; has often been highly tried to no avail, including when tailed off in Punchestown mares' Grade 2 latest; sights are lowered now and seems to handle most ground; chance.

7/2

4th

5

1st May 2026

Yielding

2m 4f 55y

16:50 Punchestown

Broomfield Bijou

10st 12lb

J: Donagh Meyler

T: James William Hannon

1-12 over fences and rated 125; hasn't won since scoring in a mares' chase at Wexford in July 2024; difficult to see her losing run ending in this company.

25/1

2nd

4

5th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 100y

16:10 Cork

Broomfield Bijou

10st 7lb

J: Phillip Enright

T: James William Hannon

Was a decent second in a Thurles handicap in February but was well beaten at Leopardstown since and has loads to find against the top two in this race; due to run in the 2.40 at Fairyhouse Saturday.

25/1

66/1

Form: 22189P D

Last run: 48 days

W: 10st 12lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 130

Form & Verdict
Dual winner over hurdles; soundly beaten in his last two starts including the Martin Pipe last time; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

5th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 180y

17:30 Fairyhouse

Stuzzikini

12st 0lb

J: Mr J C Barry

T: Stephanie Ocsko-Moore

Failed to prosper in top staying handicaps after winning the 2024 Troytown for Gordon Elliott; should show the benefit of a point-to-point run at Oldtown in February.

10/1

Form: 0-1241

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 6lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
Consistent level of form before putting up a good performance to win a 2m4f Grade 2 novice at Fairyhouse last month; gives every indication that this sort of trip will suit well and could take the beating.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6th

2

2nd May 2026

Yielding

3m 0f 104y

15:45 Punchestown

Captain Cody

11st 11lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: W P Mullins

Last season's 4m Scottish National winner but mixed bag this term however, including early faller in Thyestes and most recently mistakes before unseating four out in Aintree National; hard to be confident in and handicapper not relenting.

16/1

21

11th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

4m 2f 74y

Class 1

16:00 Aintree

Captain Cody

10st 10lb

J: Jonathan Burke

T: W P Mullins

Leopardstown seventh to Favori De Champdou at Christmas was a glimpse of what he's capable of; the performance which really gets the juices flowing, however, came in the Scottish National at Ayr (4m, good to soft) last April when very confidently ridden and unleashed to find a tremendous response on the run-in, cutting down the leader; it's very hard to rule him out after that, despite the 12lb higher mark.

16/1

5th

5

21st Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 2f 0y

15:15 Fairyhouse

Captain Cody

11st 0lb

J: Brian Hayes

T: W P Mullins

Ended last season with Scottish National win at Ayr (4m, good to soft); very pleasing return when third to top-class Romeo Coolio in Grade 1 Drinmore here (2m4f, yielding to soft); a shade disappointing in the Paddy Power at Leopardstown when seventh (3m, yielding); well backed to land the Theyestes last time when stable first string but fell at the fifth; Townend abandons ship now but he has ability and likes this track.

6/1

Form: 216409

Last run: 48 days

W: 10st 9lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 127

Form & Verdict
Two wins late last year at Sligo and Galway shows that he handles most ground; well beaten but not disgraced in the Martin Pipe last time; more needed here.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9

21st Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

3m 5f 37y

17:00 Fairyhouse

Sequestered

11st 1lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Easy winner of 3m handicap chase at Leopardstown in December; ran well off revised mark when second over 2m5f at same track at DRF; failed to make any impression in the Ultima at Cheltenham; up against it.

25/1

9

21st Apr 2025

Soft To Heavy

3m 5f 37y

17:00 Fairyhouse

Sequestered

11st 1lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Easy winner of 3m handicap chase at Leopardstown in December; ran well off revised mark when second over 2m5f at same track at DRF; failed to make any impression in the Ultima at Cheltenham; up against it.

25/1

10th

9

11th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

3m 1f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Sequestered

11st 6lb

J: Jack G Gilligan

T: Paul John Gilligan

Irish-trained novice who has improved the last twice, easily winning big-field handicap at Leopardstown (extended 3m, good to yielding) in December then second of 16 at same track (2m5f, yielding); could do with jumping better than last time but this progressive 7yo may have more left in the tank.

14/1

Form: -51348

Last run: 49 days

W: 10st 7lb

7 yo Mare

OR: 125

Form & Verdict
Got up late to win a mares hurdle at Listowel in September; weakened late but ran a solid race in the Pertemps final last time; should get home better this time and not without a chance.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

3rd

2

6th Jun 2025

Good

2m 3f 203y

18:45 Clonmel

Popova

11st 1lb

J: Mike O’Connor

T: Henry De Bromhead

Has only won on goodish ground but seems effective on softer (rain forecast); solid second to My Gaffer from well off the pace after a break at Killarney and now better off at the weights with that rival; firmly in the mix.

3/1

2nd

4

12th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 50y

18:08 Killarney

Popova

11st 6lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: Henry De Bromhead

held up in rear, headway before 3 out, switched right and went third 2 out, disputing second last, kept on

10/1

2nd

4

12th May 2025

Good

2m 4f 50y

18:08 Killarney

Popova

11st 6lb

J: Rachael Blackmore

T: Henry De Bromhead

held up in rear, headway before 3 out, switched right and went third 2 out, disputing second last, kept on

10/1

Form: 23/312 BF

Last run: 31 days

W: 11st 3lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 135

Form & Verdict
Accounted for today's rival Lucky Lyreen in a maiden hurdle at Fairyhouse in January; well held second in a 2m6f handicap hurdle at the same venue since (winner runs in the Champion Stayers earlier on the card); lightly raced and still unexposed, tried in a hood today.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

9th May 2026

Good

3m 2f 0y

16:45 Killarney

OMoore Park

11st 12lb

J: Paul Townend

T: W P Mullins

Point and hurdle winner is yet to score over fences but has lots of fine efforts to his name; only beaten 13l in the competitive Topham Chase at Aintree last time; this is a bit easier so has to be on the shortlist even though is unproven over this far.

5/2

7th

17

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

OMoore Park

10st 8lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: W P Mullins

0-11 over fences and 14l behind Madara when sixth of 23 in the Plate at Cheltenham (2m4f, good to soft) last month; however, that was still a respectable run and the fact he represents Willie Mullins, who has won three of the last six runnings and saddles three today, means he's not discounted.

25/1

6th

7

10th Mar 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 44y

Class 1

16:40 Cheltenham

OMoore Park

11st 1lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: W P Mullins

Winless after ten chase starts but he ran two cracking races at about 2m4f on the New course here (good to soft and good) last spring off much the same mark as today's; has more to prove on this season's form but he has revival potential now back on less testing ground than last time and returned to a course that suits.

16/1

40/1

Form: 624340 D

Last run: 33 days

W: 11st 1lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Stays well and landed a maiden and a novice hurdle last summer; struggled in good staying novice company this season and again on his handicap debut at Fairyhouse; others much more likely.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

5th

11

1st Jun 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 150y

16:42 Listowel

What Path

11st 7lb

J: Mr J Dunne

T: Ian O’Connor

Useful 3m hurdler for Willie Mullins before fruitless spell over fences in Britain; seems to have been revitalised by point-to-points, winning three in the spring; in contention when slipping up in banks race at Punchestown; chased home Solitary Man at Killarney and 3lb better off here.

9/2

2nd

13

11th May 2026

Good To Yielding

2m 7f 0y

19:37 Killarney

What Path

11st 7lb

J: Mr R Sugrue

T: Ian O’Connor

Useful hurdler for Willie Mullins; in good form in points prior to slipping up late on at Punchestown when he was keeping on; still up against it with some of these.

14/1

16

2nd May 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 90y

14:30 Punchestown

What Path

11st 7lb

J: Mr R Sugrue

T: Ian O’Connor

Decent novice hurdler for Willie Mullins (suited by a sound surface) but still a maiden chaser; however, comes here on the back of three point-to-point wins for Michael Mangan, having earlier chased home Fountain House over the banks at Lingstown; not one to rule out on return to the track.

8/1

Form: 054141 D

Last run: 12 days

W: 11st 2lb

7 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Scored over hurdles at the fourth attempt in a Thurles maiden in March and stepped up in trip effectively with a battling success at Ayr last month; more needed here but on the upgrade and capable of being a factor.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

6

6th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

3m 0f 120y

17:40 Fairyhouse

Chosen Witness

11st 8lb

J: Sean O’Keeffe

T: W P Mullins

0-8 over fences and hasn't won since scoring over hurdles at Ayr in April 2024; failed to complete in two of three starts this season and beaten 63l at Leopardstown when he did get around; top yard and mark tumbling but hard to make a case for on form.

10/1

10

8th Mar 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 174y

16:02 Naas

Chosen Witness

10st 3lb

J: Sean Cleary-Farrell

T: W P Mullins

Point, bumper and dual hurdles winner has been out of form in final runs of last season and outings in this; pulled up on seasonal debut at Cork and tailed off in a grade 3 handicap at Leopardstown when last seen at 80-1; needs to come back to his best.

33/1

16th

14

1st Feb 2026

Soft To Heavy

2m 5f 107y

14:45 Leopardstown

Chosen Witness

10st 6lb

J: Mr Elliot Ohgren

T: W P Mullins

Dual hurdle winner is yet to score in six chase starts and was poor the last three times, so isn't easy to make a case for.

33/1

Form: -64047

Last run: 49 days

W: 11st 6lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 138

Form & Verdict
10 wins but her losing sequence goes back to August 2022; solid efforts last twice in a Pertemps Qualifier at Musselburgh and was showing signs of heat stress after finishing a close seventh in the Cheltenham final; each-way claims.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

19

12th Mar 2025

Good To Soft

2m 5f 0y

Class 1

14:40 Cheltenham

Anna Bunina

10st 11lb

J: Harry Cobden

T: John C McConnell

Usually claimer ridden but now has Harry Cobden; the last of her ten wins was in August 2022; still shows plenty on occasions, including when seventh in the Pertemps Final last March and a close second back at Cheltenham (2m4f, good) three starts back; pulled up with cheekpieces enlisted on latest start; that headgear is now discarded but she's not the percentage call.

33/1

2

22nd Feb 2025

Soft

2m 7f 131y

Class 2

14:32 Chepstow

Anna Bunina

11st 9lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: John C McConnell

Usually claimer ridden; the last of her ten wins was in August 2022; still shows plenty on occasions, including when seventh in the Pertemps Final last March and a close second back at Cheltenham (2m4f) on penultimate outing; she performed far worse in the Musselburgh qualifier three weeks ago than she did last year, however, which sees cheekpieces enlisted.

20/1

8th

2

2nd Feb 2025

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 2

15:00 Musselburgh

Anna Bunina

12st 0lb

J: Callum Pritchard

T: John C McConnell

The last of her ten wins was in August 2022 but she still shows plenty on occasions, including when a strong-finishing fourth in this race last year and a close second at Cheltenham (2m4f) on latest outing; usually claimer ridden; place contender.

10/1

Form: 6-7F1

Last run: 21 days

W: 10st 5lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 123

Form & Verdict
Took full advantage of a very winnable opportunity at Limerick last month; unexposed and could be capable of plenty of improvement; the choice of Rachael Blackmore.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

16th

13

10th Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 5f 19y

Class 1

16:05 Aintree

Coming Up Easy

10st 10lb

J: Darragh O’Keeffe

T: Henry De Bromhead

Mistakes costly when pulled up in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham (2m4f, soft) last November when last seen; however, this front-runner was 3-3 in handicap chases previously, the latest win a convincing one at Killarney (2m5f, good to yielding) in August; certainly remains of interest.

12/1

1st

6

23rd Aug 2025

Good

2m 4f 180y

16:50 Killarney

Coming Up Easy

11st 5lb

J: Jordan Gainford

T: Henry De Bromhead

Hurdles winner has improved for the switch to chasing, winning the last twice; comfortable winner at Limerick in March (2m2f, good to yielding) before gamely winning again at Cork last time (2m1f, yielding); up another 7lb but he is lightly raced and improving rapidly.

4/1

Form: 4/P1-0

Last run: 50 days

W: 11st 7lb

8 yo Mare

OR: 139

Form & Verdict
Four-time winner for Willie Mullins; never a factor after 19 months off on her stable debut in the Coral Cup; best watched.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

9th

1

17th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 4f 0y

14:15 Cork

Finest Evermore

12st 0lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Paul Hennessy

Four-time winner for Willie Mullins but has struggled in two of her three starts for this yard; needs to improve massively on those poor runs.

16/1

9th

1

17th Jan 2025

Soft

2m 4f 0y

14:15 Cork

Finest Evermore

12st 0lb

J: Danny Mullins

T: Paul Hennessy

soon led narrowly or disputed lead, raced in second 5th, joined leader after 6th

16/1

Form: 333246 CD

Last run: 19 days

W: 11st 2lb

9 yo Gelding

OR: 134

Form & Verdict
Won this race last year off an 8lb lower mark; failed to score in six attempts over fences this season and back hurdling here; others preferred.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

11

2nd May 2024

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

18:35 Punchestown

Kilbeg King

11st 2lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Anthony Honeyball

prominent, not fluent 6th, pulled up quickly after 8th, looked to go wrong

20/1

11

2nd May 2024

Yielding

2m 7f 110y

18:35 Punchestown

Kilbeg King

11st 2lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Anthony Honeyball

prominent, not fluent 6th, pulled up quickly after 8th, looked to go wrong

20/1

6th

6

13th Apr 2024

Soft

3m 0f 210y

Class 1

14:30 Aintree

Kilbeg King

11st 0lb

J: Sam Twiston-Davies

T: Anthony Honeyball

Creditable efforts in defeat in Graded novice chases this winter (3m, good/good to soft) and ran well for long way in 3m6f NH Chase at Cheltenham last month (heavy; beaten 32l); could be in the mix now back down in trip and back in a handicap, provided the removal of cheekpieces isn't an issue.

12/1

Form: P32811 D

Last run: 63 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Filly

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Winner for Sam Curling last year and coming forward this year; on a hat-trick mission here after winning two mares' handicaps at Ludlow; could go well.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

4

23rd Apr 2026

Good To Soft

2m 7f 180y

Class 3

15:40 Perth

Della Casa Lunga

11st 1lb

J: Ned Fox

T: Clive Boultbee-Brooks

Mainly in fair form this season and can be forgiven a below-par run on testing ground at Exeter last time; these conditions suit; each-way chance with cheekpieces back on.

13/2

3rd

3

20th Feb 2026

Heavy

3m 0f 54y

Class 1

15:14 Exeter

Della Casa Lunga

11st 0lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Clive Boultbee-Brooks

Three front-running hurdle wins in 2024 (2m5f/3m, soft/good to soft) and she was running pretty well in defeat towards the end of 2025; 10l second of four at Carlisle 17 days ago on chase debut, showing she has some way to go before she's matching today's rivals over fences.

5/1

2nd

4

3rd Feb 2026

Good To Soft

2m 4f 198y

Class 3

14:00 Carlisle

Della Casa Lunga

10st 12lb

J: Richard Patrick

T: Clive Boultbee-Brooks

Three front-running hurdle wins in 2024 (2m5f/3m, soft/good to soft) and she was running pretty well in defeat against fellow mares towards the end of 2025; receives 7lb from the males today and holds leading claims if taking to fences at the first attempt.

13/8

Form: -43211 CD

Last run: 32 days

W: 11st 1lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 133

Form & Verdict
Easily held by O'Moore Park at Fairyhouse but has upped it a level or two since by winning a maiden hurdle here and a competitive 2m4f handicap at Fairyhouse; up 8lb for that but on the upgrade and unlikely to be too far away.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

25th May 2026

Good

2m 7f 80y

18:35 Ballinrobe

Lucky Lyreen

10st 5lb

J: Josh Williamson

T: Gordon Elliott

Won over 3m on handicap debut (first-time cheekpieces) at Down Royal in January, beating subsequent Ulster National winner Born Braver; in rear in the Grand National Trial at Punchestown and ordinary run in Ladies National at Fairyhouse last time; all four wins have been on soft or worse, so that's a concern; yard has won last three renewals.

10/1

5th

2

4th Apr 2026

Yielding To Soft

2m 5f 45y

15:15 Fairyhouse

Lucky Lyreen

11st 12lb

J: Miss Charlotte Butler

T: Gordon Elliott

Peak rating of 135 over hurdles; won a 3m handicap chase at Down Royal (yielding-to-soft) in January, beating subsequent Ulster National winner Born Braver; in rear the Grand National Trial at Punchestown on latest; could go well if first-time blinkers do the trick; trainer teamed up with rider Charlotte Butler to win this in 2024.

8/1

Form: -59688

Last run: 32 days

W: 10st 4lb

6 yo Gelding

OR: 122

Form & Verdict
Two wins over hurdles last season; has not taken to fences but did not run badly back over flights at Cork last time; step up in trip will suit and worth a market check.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

14

30th Mar 2025

Good To Yielding

3m 4f 120y

16:05 Downpatrick

Hands Of Gold

10st 0lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: A L T Moore

Two wins over hurdles but 0-6 chasing on soft ground, reportedly struck into at Gowran last time; some encouragement at same track previously; longer trip and better ground could see improvement; 1lb wrong.

12/1

11

8th Mar 2025

Soft

2m 0f 0y

16:25 Gowran Park

Hands Of Gold

10st 1lb

J: Simon Torrens

T: A L T Moore

Two wins over hurdles; pulled up in a handicap hurdle at last season's Punchestown festival; ran prominently in a 2m4f handicap chase here on return, had weakened before falling two out.

10/1

8

15th Feb 2025

Soft

2m 4f 0y

16:15 Gowran Park

Hands Of Gold

10st 10lb

J: Ricky Doyle

T: A L T Moore

Two-time hurdles winner is 0-4 over the bigger obstacles; reverts to chasing after two poor efforts over timber; pulled up in a handicap hurdle at Punchestown when last seen in May 2024 in first-time cheekpieces (discarded); rated 6lb lower over fences but he's hard to fancy.

22/1

Form: 323212 CD

Last run: 161 days

W: 10st 3lb

8 yo Gelding

OR: 121

Form & Verdict
First reserve; beat Stuzzikini here in October; not seen since second to Will Do in November.
Place /
No / Draw
Date / Going /
Distance / Class
Time + Course Horse + Weight
Jockey / Trainer
Verdict Starting price

10th

5

14th Apr 2026

Yielding

2m 7f 0y

17:42 Clonmel

Getaway Charlie

11st 9lb

J: Mr D Doyle

T: Timothy Doyle

On long losing run; pulled up on final start of last season and again on seasonal return at Fairyhouse in November; heavy defeat on his return from a 127-day break at Cork nine days ago; others appeal more.

40/1

13th

3

5th Apr 2026

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 15y

15:35 Cork

Getaway Charlie

11st 6lb

J: Ryan Treacy

T: Timothy Doyle

No win since October 2023; pulled up on final start of last season over C&D (soft) and similar outcome on seasonal reappearance at Fairyhouse in November; off since and best watched for now.

28/1

3

20th Apr 2025

Good To Yielding

3m 0f 80y

15:22 Cork

Getaway Charlie

11st 9lb

J: Cian Quirke

T: Timothy Doyle

1-14 over hurdles, the win coming over 2m7f in October 2023 off 109; bounced back to form when a 4.75l second on latest over C&D good ground; that wasn't his first good run here but the forecast rain is a worry, place chance again if it misses.

12/1

Non-runners

Final Orders, Catos Revenge, Robinstown

+o+e Accumulators

Payout
Exacta €543.10
Straight Forecast €567.86
Tricast €5075.10
Trifecta €2623.50

Selections

SPOTLIGHT:

Captain Cody

RP RATINGS (IRE):

Della Casa Lunga

POSTDATA:

Popova

TOPSPEED:

Chantry House

The Irish Sun:

Captain Cody